Watch time fly in African style

Sometimes product launches can be large, cold and pretentious affairs, but on Wednesday evening Nkarhi launched its first two “African luxury timepieces” in Sandton to an intimate crowd that felt more like family and friends.

The selection of True Story as the venue for the evening was a masterstroke in that it gelled with the African luxury theme of the evening perfectly.

Unfortunately, the small space where the official reveal was made was so cramped that it caused a champagne glass to land with a crash on the floor.

The small screen where the watches were displayed via a PowerPoint presentation was also located awkwardly to the side of attendees, making it difficult to see through the crowd of people.

However, the generous amount of wine – by Boschendal – and the humour and stage presence of Nkarhi chief executive officer Elmond Khoza made the tiny space bearable.

Actress Linda Sokhulu talks to guests at the Nkarhi watch launch in Sandton at True Story. Picture: Supplied

Khoza, his father a watchmaker, told of his journey and dream of launching his own “African-inspired timepieces, by Africans” and some of the inspiration behind the two watches – named The City of Gold and The Capital.

The watches, Khoza explained, were designed on how he saw Johannesburg and Tshwane – filled with gold and serious, while the other playful and steeped in Dutch history.

AFRICAN INSPIRATION The City of Gold watch looked chic and resplendent, with its inspiration being Johannesburg’s gold heritage

BEAUTIFUL Media personality and Bonang Matheba’s younger sister, Reabetswe ‘Rambi’ Sechoaro

DASHING Emcee for the evening was Mampho Brescia

TV and radio personality Zizo Tshwete was truly excited to be a part of the launch.

MC Mampho Brescia and veteran actress Nakedi Ribane.

Finger foods were served with assorted nuts in a cone, and crackers and cheese for the start; saucy wings followed with a lentil mix option for the vegetarians; and meatballs were seen towards the end of the launch.

The saucy wings looked divine, alas the author couldn’t try them as they were not halaal. Picture: Supplied

Emcee for the evening Mampho Brescia looked dashing and regal in an ivory tuxedo jacket with black trimmings and white harem-style pants. Actress Linda Sokhulu made an appearance and was captivated by the watches, preferring the City of Gold one.

Sonia Mbele was also there and made people smile with a snake-print shiny wrap dress.

Other personalities who graced the launch in beautiful threads included designers Palesa Mokubung and Paledi Segapo, with Reabetswe Sechoaro in a beautiful two-piece black number.

. Watches can be purchased online at nkarhi.com

	Muhammad Hussain Journalist City Press p: +27 11 713 9001 w: www.citypress.co.za  e: muhammad.hussain@citypress.co.za
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